The Data Network Working Group focuses on analysing, aligning, and optimising CERL data to improve the user experience for both individuals and institutions. By examining data structures, monitoring the development of CERL databases such as the HPB and the CERL Thesaurus, exploring external connections, and considering usability, the group aims to position CERL databases as open, connected, and user-friendly resources within the European information landscape.
The Data Network Working Group works to improve the usability, connectivity, and accessibility of CERL databases for both institutions and individual users. The group identifies priorities for linking and enriching data across CERL resources.
Focus areas include:
- Connecting overlapping data across databases (e.g., owners, holding institutions, regions)
- Using external identifiers (VIAF, GND, ISIL) to enrich data
- Linking provenance information and bibliographical records
- Enhancing image availability and search visibility
Chair: Katharina Kaska, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna
- Helena Nebel, Niedersächsische Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek, Göttingen
- Cristina Megowan, University Library of Edinburgh
- Saskia Scheltjens, Rijksmuseum Research Library, Amsterdam
- Greg Prickman, Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington DC
- Marianna Morreale, Istituto Centrale per il Catalogo Unico (ICCU), Rome
- Tim Thompson, Yale University
- Christian Scheidegger, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Helen Vincent, British Library, London
First Meeting Highlights
The inaugural meeting of the Data Network Working Group took place in Edinburgh on 21 October 2025, bringing together members to set priorities, share expertise, and plan next steps for data connectivity and usability improvements.
Left: Group Photo of Data Network Working Group members in the Frankenstein Pub in Edinburgh on 21 October 2025.
Contact information
For more information about the Data Network Working Group, please contact the Chair: Katharina Kaska, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek.